14-yr-old Nipah patient in critical condition; Visitors not allowed at Kozhikode MCH

Kozhikode: The 14-year-old boy undergoing treatment at Kozhikode Medical College Hospital for Nipah virus continues to remain in critical condition. The child is currently on a ventilator to support breathing. A team of 30 medical professionals is overseeing the child's treatment. Visitor access to Kozhikode Medical College Hospital has been restricted.

Fluid samples from three persons under observation have been sent for testing. A friend of the confirmed Nipah patient, currently hospitalised with fever at Manjeri Medical College, also awaits fluid test results. Results for these tests are expected by Sunday.

Samples from 15 contacts have been sent for testing, while samples of another 35 individuals classified as high-risk will be sent for testing on Sunday.

The ninth-class student from Pandikkad, Malappuram, was confirmed infected with Nipah yesterday. The official test result came from the Pune Virology Institute by 7 pm on Saturday. The disease was also confirmed in tests conducted within the State. The child, who was on ventilator at a private hospital in Kozhikode, was transferred to a medical college after the diagnosis.

The child felt extremely tired and feverish when returning home from school on July 10. Treatment was sought at a private clinic in Pandikkad on July 12. On July 13, the child was taken to another hospital in Pandikkad, where medication was administered. Due to persistent fever, the child was readmitted and subsequently transferred to a private hospital in Perinthalmanna, where brain fever was confirmed. The child was later moved to a private hospital in Kozhikode, where tick fever was initially confirmed. Suspecting Nipah, saliva samples were sent for testing.

Contacts under observation

All individuals who came in contact with the Nipah-infected child are under strict observation. Fluid samples have been collected from approximately 15 people and sent for testing. Restrictions have been imposed within a three-kilometre radius of Pandikkad. Health Minister Veena George has instructed the public to wear masks in response to the outbreak.

Government precautions

Following the re-emergence of Nipah, the State is on high alert. 25 committees, as per government orders, have been activated. The monoclonal antibodies required for treatment have been dispatched from the Pune Virology Lab and are expected to arrive in the State on Sunday.

Other medications, masks, and PPE

In a press conference, the Health Minister announced that the Kerala Medical Services Corporation (KMSCL) has been directed to distribute other medicines, masks, PPE kits and test kits. Thirty isolation rooms have been established at Mancheri Medical College. The Health Minister is currently stationed in Malappuram, overseeing the situation.

Control cell

The Malappuram PWD Health Department has established a 24-hour control cell at the rest house. Contact number: 0483 2732010.